Gun Control & RKBA
In reply to the discussion: The meaning of the Second Amendment (One Perspective) [View all]jmg257
(11,996 posts)'..Right to bear arms for defense of themselves and their own state, Or the US, or for the purpose of killing game; no laws shall be passed disarming them, &c.'
And used the more typical version he introduced concerning...'rkba not infringed; well regulated militias are the Best security of a free country, those scruplous of bearing arms shall not be compelled to render military duty, &c.'
Madison was careful about avoiding absolute restrictions that could be doubted.
He certainly could have intended an individual right, especially in his proposal - though bearing arms is still associated with militias, the 'being the best security' was associated with religious exemptions, not given as the reason for the rkba. Obviously the article passed specifcally is written with the primary purpose of securing the militias.